Last Updated on September 12, 2022 by Griselda M.
Does aloe vera repel mosquitoes? This is a commonly asked question by those who love to grow aloe vera. We will answer it in this article as well as review the benefits of growing aloe vera plants indoors.
The Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aloe genus. It is native to the Arabian Peninsula but grows in many tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. It has been cultivated for centuries, used for traditional medicine, and is also a popular ornamental plant.
Aloe vera can be grown both indoors and outdoors. As long as the right conditions are provided, this plant is highly adaptable. This is an extremely easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant, hence its popularity.
The leaves of aloe vera contain a clear sap that is harvested and used for several reasons such as a dietary supplement, topical cream, and traditional medicine, among others.
In this article, we will discuss one potential use of this plant by answering, does aloe vera repel mosquitoes?
Aloe Vera as a Mosquito Repellant
So, do mosquitoes like aloe vera? Aloe vera is often used as a topical cream to help with conditions such as rashes. Another added benefit of aloe vera is its insect repellant properties.
The aloe vera plant itself neither attracts nor repels mosquitoes. It is the gel, when applied that can repel them.
Aloe vera gel can also be used in combination with olive oil to create a natural mosquito repellent and amazing skin moisturizer.
Does The Aloe Vera Plant Attract Mosquitoes?
While certain plants will attract mosquitoes to your garden or indoor space during the day, where they are planted, the aloe vera plant itself does not attract or repel them. It does not do this by itself, but the flowers that it produces, however, can surely attract mosquitoes.
Apart from the flowers, if you leave water in the plant saucer or pot, you will be providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
It is environmental and other external factors such as wet weather, humidity, and others that cause mosquitoes and other bugs or insects to get attracted to your aloe and be a nuisance.
Other Added Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel
Besides its use as a mosquito repellent, aloe vera get has various other uses in day-to-day life.
One of this use is a hair growth aid. The gel is rich in proteolytic enzymes that have the function of preparing and healing damaged cells on the scalp. For this reason, it is incorporated into hair lotions that help stimulate dormant hair follicles, and promote hair growth in the process.
Aloe vera gel also has anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it can heal insect and mosquito bites. Extract fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area and you will see that this product can work wonders.
One of the things that happen after you get a mosquito bite is itching. You will be pleased to know that aloe vera is an amazing natural remedy against skin itching, swelling, burning, and redness caused by insect bites. Apply the gel to the affected skin and it will help relieve the bite symptoms.
Aloe vera gel contains a compound called aloin. This aloin is a natural de-pigmentation agent. The gel can therefore be used to clear dark marks or light scars or marks left by various causes of damage to the skin. Marks caused by acne, wounds, and yes even those caused by mosquito bites can be completely cleared by aloe vera gel.
Did you know that you can also drink aloe vera? You can find it as a juice in most health food stores. Drinking aloe vera is good for your health because it has antioxidants that will help you fight free radicals. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. If you also need a boost of vitamin C, aloe vera juice is one of the best ways to get it.
Drinking aloe vera juice can also help treat various skin conditions from the inside out. So you can both drink and apply aloe vera to fast-track the healing of your skin problems. It can also help with digestive disorders if you experience such discomfort.
As you can see from these purposes, aloe vera is an amazingly versatile and useful plant with very many benefits. This is a plant you want to have to grow in your indoor or outdoor garden.
In Conclusion – Does Aloe Vera Repel Mosquitoes
Growing your aloe vera plant indoors will not only beautify your space but come with added benefits. You can use the plant for many purposes such as skin care, cleaning, and moisturizing. Aloe vera is also a popular ingredient used by cosmetics to give a natural glow to your skin.
Remember that the plant by itself will neither attract nor repel mosquitoes, however, using the gel correctly can fulfill this purpose. You can even combine it with other products such as olive oil for added benefits. You can easily grow your own aloe vera indoors or outdoors, or you can purchase the gel at your local health shop. Try it, you will love it!
If you enjoyed reading this article, please share it with family and friends. And you can add any more uses for aloe vera that have not been added to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smells do mosquitoes hate?
Smells that repel mosquitoes include citronella, clove, cedarwood, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and lemongrass. If you can plant these plants strategically around your house, you can create a natural mosquito repellent. These smells are also amazing and will make your space smell good on top of repelling mosquitoes.
What plants keep mosquitoes away?
Plants such as basil, citronella, lavender, lemon balm, lemon thyme, marigolds, catnip and rosemary are some of the plants that mosquitoes hate.
How much aloe to keep mosquitoes away?
Aloe vera gel used on its own or mixed with olive oil and applied to the skin will help to keep mosquitoes away. The plant by itself neither attracts nor repels them.
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive
